US Department of Commerce
Featured Activity: Exploring Questions for the 2020 Census
Just what is the census for? Using data and census questions, class members explore how officials gather information. Then, they consider how the government uses the answers to determine how it spends its money with a collaborative...
US Department of Commerce
Diversity: Census Questions Over Time
The story of race in the United States continues to evolve, and the numbers show it. Using data from the last two census counts, learners consider recent demographic shifts. They then analyze the information to hypothesize: What could...
Curated OER
2010 Census Lesson 1: It's About Us
Students analyze data from the 2000 census to learn how the census works. In this civics lesson, students read a story to find out about the census, then use a map and census data to analyze changes. Lesson includes related resources...
American Statistical Association
Scatter It! (Using Census Results to Help Predict Melissa’s Height)
Pupils use the provided census data to guess the future height of a child. They organize and plot the data, solve for the line of best fit, and determine the likely height and range for a specific age.
Curated OER
You Be The Census Taker
Learners interpret information from an excerpt of the 1870 U.S. Census and compare that data to economic data they collect about local businesses in their own community. Students then evaluate how closely linked their community's economy...
Curated OER
Why We Count
Learners visualize census data on a map and use a map key to read a population map. In this census lesson, students use a map of the Virgin Islands and corresponding worksheets to gain an understanding of population density.
Curated OER
Mapping Our Home
Students explore how communities participate in census counting. In this census lesson, students recognize the absolute and relative location of a state and understand ideas about civic life and government.
Curated OER
Then and Now
Students explore population and come to understand how it changes over time. In this census lesson, students discover what population is and how it changes as they participate in age-appropriate activities.
US Department of Commerce
Diversity: Minority Entrepreneurship and the Economy
Using data from the Census Bureau, learners discover the growth in minority-owned businesses over time. After crunching numbers, analytical questions probe the reasons behind the shift.
US Department of Commerce
Apportionment: Grades 7-8
One person, one voice ... right? Using a simulation where uneven groups are given the same voice, scholars discover why fair apportionment based on an accurate census is important. Once finished, they use actual data to consider what...
US Department of Commerce
Featured Activity: Population Change Over Time
Keep track of a state's population. After a brief discussion on how population data is used for funding, individuals look at population changes over time. Pupils find the population of two states using three different censuses. They then...
Curated OER
Lesson 4: A Class Census
Students compile results in their own census. In this early childhood U. S. Census lesson plan, students collect and represent information about events in simple charts.
Curated OER
George Washington and Slavery: The 1799 Census of Slaves
Students discover details about the slave community at Mt. Vernon. In this George Washington lesson, students examine Washington's 1799 Slave Census in order to determine what life was like for slaves of the first president. An analysis...
Curated OER
It's About You
Young scholars explore the U.S. Census and come to understand more about it. In this census lesson, students build reading confidence, explain who is counted in the census, and recognize the connection between census information and...
Curated OER
Mapping Districts
Learners become literate in their use of maps. In this 2010 Census lesson plan, students visualize census data on maps, use map keys to read population maps, and explore the concept of population density.
Curated OER
Mapping Districts
Students use maps to learn about the U.S. Census. In this 2010 Census lesson plan, students visualize census data on maps, use map keys to read population maps, and explore the concept of population density.
Curated OER
Separate But Equal? A Lesson on the Briggs v. Elliott Case in Claredon County, SC
Third graders discussschool integration. In this racial inequality instructional activity, 3rd graders read Remember: The Journey to School Integrationand discuss the school facilities and how people must have felt. Students watch a...
Curated OER
Traveling Southern Style: A Lesson on the Jim Crow Laws
Third graders create a poster of a travel route. In this discrimination lesson, 3rd graders read The Gold Cadillac and use it to discuss the problems African Americans faced while traveling south in the 1950's. Students compare three...
Curated OER
Lesson 2: Mapping Sub-districts
Students learn more about the census. In this mapping sub-districts lesson plan, students visualize census data on a map, use a map key to read a population map, and better understand the concept of population density.
Curated OER
Making Sense of the Census
In this unit of lessons, students make sense of the Census. They examine why a census is taken and participate in activities.
US Department of Commerce
Diversity: Differences in Communities
Using census data, the class finds the percentages of three diversity categories for four states and compare them. With the assistance of a 10 X 10 grid, pupils create visual representations of a comparison between two states on one...
Curated OER
A Lesson on Reconstruction Legislation and Amendments
Pupils study the legislation and Amendments of Reconstruction period in America. For this Reconstruction lesson, students work in groups to dissect the Black Codes, an article in the US Constitution, as well as the 13th, 14th, and 15th...
Curated OER
It's About You
Students build connections between census information and community decision-making by reading a reader's theater script. In this reader's theater lesson, students practice reading fluently and learn about the government. The reader's...
Curated OER
Jamestown Changes
Students examine how the Jamestown settlement changed the first few years after it was founded. They take a virtual field trip of Jamestown, read primary source documents, discuss census information, and write a summary of changes in...